There are two sets of winners: one for the Daily Bulletin and one for The Sun and Facts.

On the Bulletin side, the big winner was Pine Haven Cafe in Upland, which won in four categories: American Cuisine, Brunch, Buffet and Power Lunches. Other multiple winners for the Bulletin were Rancho Cucamonga’s Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, chosen for Best Wine Selection and Best Steak; Upland’s Spaggi’s for Best Italian and Best Catering; and Rancho Cucamonga’s historic Sycamore Inn, winning the Best Ambiance and Best Romantic Restaurant categories.

The big winner for The Sun and Facts was The Castaway in San Bernardino, winning the Best Ambiance, Best Brunch and Best Romantic Restaurant categories. It’s also the only multiple winner for the two papers.

At participating locations, guests can get a small Ice Blended drink for just $2.

The coffeehouse is using the event to promote customizing Ice Blended drinks with the addition of extra coffee, cookies or chocolate covered espresso beans. The chain is also offering its version of an affogato, with an espresso shot poured over an Ice Blended drink…yum!

Be still my pre-myocardial infarction heart…fried pies have returned to Southern California McDonald’s locations!

The ubiquitous burger chain swapped out its fried pies for a more health-conscious baked version back in 1992 (although I remember getting one at the downtown Riverside location years after that, and apparently, they’ve continually been available at the Lakewood Boulevard location in Downey), but now they’re back.

Veterans Day is Tuesday (November 11) and, as is tradition, restaurants are rolling out the red carpet for our servicemen and -women by offering deals — including free meals — to veterans and active duty military.